There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back and helping those in need, especially innocent beings more helpless and vulnerable than ourselves. Such was the case for Ann McDonald, who didn’t hesitate in stepping up to help a traumatized little pup named Roscoe. Here’s her sweet tale of love, patience, and perseverance, and how she went from foster mom to foster fail in no time!

“Roscoe was rescued from a hoarding situation in Kentucky. He was abandoned, along with about 30 other dogs, when his owner died. The group I foster for, Central Ohio Pomeranian Rescue, stepped in to take him and many of the other dogs, all of whom had various issues, from fleas to worms to socialization problems. Roscoe was one of the last dogs they picked up, and one of the most damaged by the situation. When I took him in as a foster, he was so terrified of being touched and so traumatized that I didn’t know if he’d ever be a normal dog.

I spent the first several weeks with him sitting outside for up to an hour at a time, waiting for him to be brave enough to walk a few steps and go potty. Every day I would carry him on walks with my other dog (luckily he was only 8 pounds), just to get him used to the routine of taking a walk. After about a month of doing this, he finally felt comfortable enough to walk when I’d take him outside, and eventually I was able to get a leash on him to join us on walks. I will never forget the first day that he walked around the block with us. I was so proud!

Seeing him slowly overcome his fears was such an incredible experience. I was new to fostering at the time and wasn’t as experienced with fearful dogs. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with him and realize that I wanted to be a part of his journey as he learned how to be a dog again. It sounds cliché, but he really has turned out to be an inspiration for me.

Almost two years later, Roscoe now loves to snuggle and will sometimes even walk up to people when he takes walks to sniff them or let them pet him – a major step! He is still very shy and nervous around people, and sometimes even me, but I know this is just his personality because of what he has been through. I am so happy I adopted him and can’t imagine not seeing his tiny little face every day. I knew he would change my life from the first day I met him, but I never knew how much better he would make it.”

We at Lucky Puppy just can’t get enough of happy endings! Thank you, Ann, for saving little Roscoe, and for inspiring us all to go the extra mile to help dogs in need. Your story is proof that if all of us do just one thing, whether it’s fostering, volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, we truly can make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere!

Top photo: Roscoe courtesy Brittany Graham Photography.